17 00 009 Checking For Coolant Leak

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NOTE:

For Special Tool identification, see COOLING SYSTEM - SPECIAL TOOLS - 3-SERIES (E46/S54) .

Special Tools Required:

17 0 002
17 0 005
17 0 007
17 0 008

WARNING: Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down.

Checking Pressure Drop In Cooling System:

Remove cap on expansion tank. Attach special tool 17 0 002/17 0 005.

Build up gauge pressure of 1.5 bar, wait approx. 2 minutes.

Cooling system is impervious to leaks if pressure drop is max. 0.1 bar.

Fig 1: Attaching Special Tool To Expansion Tank

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking Pressure Relief Valve In Cap:

Detach rubber (1) from hand pump.

Attach special tool 17 0 007/17 0 008.

Fig 2: Attaching Tester To Hand Pump

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw cap (1) onto special tool.

Build up pressure with special tool (hand pump) 17 0 002; observe pressure gauge to ascertain when opening pressure is achieved.

Compare opening pressure of pressure relief valve. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM - TECHNICAL DATA .

Fig 3: Screwing Cap Onto Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking vacuum valve in cap

Screw cap (1) onto special tool 17 0 007 and connect to vacuum hose of vacuum pump.

Feed vacuum pump with battery positive voltage.

Slowly apply partial vacuum to cap.

Compare opening pressure of vacuum valve.

Fig 4: Screwing Cap Onto Tester

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.